Workers face far greater exposure to biological hazards than in other industries: viruses, bacteria and parasites from unwell people or bodily fluids and contaminated items, and mould and allergens such as animal dander. Exposure can come from direct contact with an infectious person, cleaning up bodily fluids, handling contaminated items, breathing infectious particles or contact with droplets, surgical plume, sharps injuries, mould spores and dander, and some diseases spread rapidly. The PCBU must ensure workers and others are not exposed to WHS risks from biological hazards, eliminating them as far as reasonably practicable and otherwise minimising them, and must provide adequate and accessible facilities such as handwashing, training and information and appropriate PPE. Other standards such as the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards apply too, and complying with them does not guarantee WHS compliance. PPE must be provided free of charge, fit the user and be comfortable, be kept in good condition (clean, hygienic, repaired or replaced) and workers must be trained in use, storage, maintenance, putting on and taking off. Not all PPE protects from biological hazards: airborne disease needs a tight-fitting respirator such as N95 or P2, fit tested to the worker and fit checked each time worn, with regular breaks for wearers.
The graph holds this control, the 0 it maps to, and the evidence behind each claim, over MCP and REST.